Brother and sister work hard for ‘a better future, a better life’
Anyelin and Yustin Vasquez Lopez left a dangerous life in Guatemala to achieve academic excellence and set career goals in America...
Young leaders leave a literary legacy
Fifth graders did their research, worked with a budget and chose a new collection of books for their school as part of a new library legacy committee...
Overcoming homelessness to get her degree, she’s ready to help others
Jordan Lovett, once homeless, graduated from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She is eager to advocate for others facing similar struggles to her own...
‘A drive to prove myself’
Brittle bone disease has not stopped Thornapple Kellogg senior Kaleb Sydloski from taking part in band, swimming and tennis while in high school...
A new teacher with a passion for the classroom: ‘I love helping kids’
While the number of new teachers continues to drop dramatically, Brittney DesLauries says she wants to do it for the rest of her life...
‘Surround yourself with people who care about you’
Aubrey Robinson had a tough go before switching to Northview from another district. But once she did, she soared...
From Grief and Recovery to Graduation
This high school senior survived a deadly car accident, determined to re-build his physical strength and graduate with his class...
Multi-talented Falcon senior shines on and off the field
East Kentwood baseball and football standout Kyle Dent not only makes waves on the field, but also isn’t so shabby in the classroom...
‘Your worst situation … can make you the best person that you can be’
Self-reliant since early childhood, Tiana Studebaker’s path to graduation was filled with instability. At commencement, she tipped her hat to her alternative school classmates for their perseverance...
This leader is always learning
Elle Waldron is president of the Northview High National Honor Society, but she prefers listening to telling others what to do...
She’s a model for leadership, addressing big issues
With a focus on local, national and global issues, Eleanor Cooper has dedicated herself to serving as a voice for minorities, an advocate for change...
‘I didn’t give myself any other option’
When Don Zandbergen was suspended from school the second semester of his junior year, he knew he could just not go back. That thought lasted about a second...
Diagnosis, robotics shape her confidence, drive & compassion
Senior Ellie Clark keeps herself busy helping run her organization, Ellie’s Elephants, which has raised more than $350,000 for diabetes research since 2004. She was diagnosed with the condition when she was 4...
The world is now the stage for graduate who overcame behavioral issues
Shamar is known as a jokester, a fun-loving, energetic student. He dreams of becoming a professional actor. But he spent several years constantly in trouble and struggling to find his way...
‘100 percent mesmerized by my job-this is what I get to do today’
Making sure each student is recognized and learns life lessons are what matters, said this Cedar Springs teacher...
Blessed and grateful: challenges faced with positive attitude
Senior Cayleigh Constance has overcome challenges from family illness to mental health. After a four-month hiatus, she’s on track to graduate this year...
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